Stormwater Monitoring Technician

The Stormwater Monitoring Technician plays a critical role in protecting Salem’s waterways by collecting accurate water quality and flow data. This data supports the City’s flood warning system, helps track stormwater pollution, ensures compliance with environmental regulations, and informs decisions to safeguard community health and natural resources.

About the role

Join the Stormwater Quality Monitoring team to fulfill the monitoring requirements of the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. This hands-on position offers opportunities to develop skills in water quality sample collection, operating multi-parameter datasondes, surveying equipment, specialized flow measurement tools, and maintaining water quality, stream gauging, and rain gauging stations. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals to build expertise in field monitoring techniques and equipment troubleshooting while contributing to stormwater management, water quality standards, and the City’s flood warning system.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Stormwater Monitoring team in maintaining continuous instream water quality monitoring and stream gauging stations.
• Maintain and calibrate rain gauge stations throughout the City and upper watershed.
• Collect water quality samples during rain events and scheduled monitoring periods.
• Conduct instream discharge (streamflow) measurements using specialized flow measurement equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of monitoring equipment, including sensors, flow monitors, cell and radio modems, data loggers, and solar power systems.
• Manage vegetation and site cleanliness to ensure safe access and equipment functionality at monitoring locations.
• Assist with data collection for the City’s flood warning system to support timely flood response.
• Work outdoors in various weather conditions, including inclement weather, and in challenging environments such as streams and roadways while adhering to safety protocols.
• Perform occasional overtime work for sampling during rain events or other monitoring needs.
• Document field activities and equipment maintenance accurately, reporting issues to supervisors promptly.

Requirements

• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must have an Oregon Driver license and a driving record that meets the City of Salem's driving standards.
• Considerable experience in flow monitoring, completion of a two-year technical course, or a two-year college degree with major coursework in natural resources, water quality sampling, environmental sciences, or related fields. Any combination of education, experience, and training demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may qualify.

Skills

• Respect for others and enthusiasm for fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and resolve issues proactively.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic work environment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions.
• Understanding of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Positive and effective customer service principles.
• Commitment to safe work practices.
• Basic mathematical and computer skills, including knowledge of asset management and/or GIS software.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience or the ability to quickly learn:

• Sontek acoustic doppler equipment and software.
• Flowtracker equipment and software.
• Portable data logger equipment and software.
• YSI EXO multiparameter datasondes and KOR software.
• Campbell Scientific equipment and software.
• Collection of field data using mobile form software (Fast Field Forms, ESRI Field Maps, etc.).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, with an option for a 4-day/10-hour schedule in the summer.

Pay

The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range, based on experience, skills, and education.